‘Gracepoint’: To Catch a Killer [Review]

Gracepoint, the 10-part mystery series that is a U.S. remake of the popular British crime drama, Broadchurch, continued its pursuit to catch a killer in Episode 4 of Season 1 entitled “Episode Four,” as the impact of Danny Solano’s murder shatters the lives of residents in the titular small town. The U.S. remake version airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. EST on FOX.

Following last week’s cliffhanger, the owner of the phone number discovered in Danny’s pocket was quickly addressed in Gracepoint Episode 4. The number belongs to a man named Lars Pierson (Brendan Fletcher), who is a war veteran who received a general discharge for reasons that are unknown. Later, the audience discovered that Pierson had renewed a prescription for an anti-psychotic medication eight months ago. Moreover, Jack Reinhold (Nick Nolte) recognized Pierson as the hiker Danny (Nikolas Filipovic) was talking to one morning on the overlook, where Danny’s body was later found. However, the strangest revelation about Pierson was his interaction with Beth (Virginia Kull). According to Danny’s mother, the mystery man noticed a picture of Danny and Chloe (Madalyn Horcher) on Beth’s desk and told her she had a beautiful family. Moreover, Beth commented about the bizarre vibe the man gave off.

After two episodes of focusing on Mark Solano (Michael Pena) as the suspected killer of his own son, Gracepoint turned its attention to the variety of other potential suspects in town. The fictional town is chock full of secrets and unspoken truths. However, Ellie (Anna Gunn) and Emmett (David Tennant) also shifted their focus to catch a killer by looking outside of Gracepoint‘s boundaries for part of “Episode Four,” which was much desired by Ellie. The reluctant partners continued to clash as their polar opposite personalities and approaches collided. However, Ellie did extend a dinner invitation to Emmett so he could meet her family.

Besides the enigmatic Pierson, the other person of interest is Dean Iverson (Kendrick Sampson), Chloe Solano’s drug dealing boyfriend, who also grew up in Gracepoint. Turns out, Dean introduced Danny to a cocaine connection. Dean also told the detectives that Danny was a lost and lonely kid who needed a friend. As for the night of Danny’s death, Dean was working at his uncle’s restaurant, an alibi which checked out. While Dean might have seemed suspicious initially, he is one of the only townspeople who knew what was going on with Danny.

Other Gracepoint residents that make prime suspects in the Danny Solano murder include Susan Wright (Jacki Weaver), who is the resident trailer park woman of mystery and bizarre interactions. There is definitely something amiss with this character. Each interaction she has is more bizarre than the last. Her interaction in “Episode Four” with Vince Novik (Stephen Louis Grush) was indicative of a past relationship gone horribly wrong, but she does not seem to be willing to move on.

Speaking of Vince, he is another potential suspect in Danny’s demise. In addition to Vince’s bizarre interactions with Susan, he is equally odd when interacting with Ellie’s son and Danny’s friend, Tom Miller (Jack Irvine). When his skateboard is in need of repair, Tom goes to Vince for help. Danny’s missing skateboard could provide a clue to who murdered him, and keep in mind that Susan Wright had a skateboard hidden away in her trailer when Emmett went to retrieve keys from her.

Another prime suspect among the Gracepoint residents is Rev. Paul Coates (Kevin Rankin), who may have several motives for killing Danny. There is the past relationship with Danny’s mother, Beth, and Beth’s pregnancy, which is still shrouded in mystery. Could Coates be the father of Beth’s unborn baby? Meanwhile, there is still suspicion surrounding Jack. Was Danny’s mentor pushed too far? Could there be more to the story? The truth will continue to unfold as Gracepoint continues its pursuit to catch the killer of Danny Solano in the 10-part mystery miniseries event based on the popular British crime drama, Broadchurch. Gracepoint airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. EST on FOX.